Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd.
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Abnormal spirometry is a predictor of exercise capacity in patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Get PDFWe investigated the association between cardiac factors, spirometry, and exercise testing in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Clinical data from patients with TOF performing a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was collected retrospectively over a 10-year period. 122 patients with TOF were identified, 52 excluded for incomplete exercise, spirometry, or cardiac data for 70 total patients included in the study. There was a male predominance 39 (56%), a mean age of 25 ± 12 years, with 28 (40%) < 18 years of age. The mean number of cardiac surgeries was 2.1 ± 1.2. Most, 46 (69%) had moderate to severe pulmonary valve insufficiency (PI) and 34 (51%) had moderate to severe right ventricular (RV) dilation. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was low at 81.8% predicted, and 32 (46%) with low FVC (< 80% predicted). Overall peak VO2/kg was low with a mean of 58.2 ± 13.2 % predicted. Using multiple regression analysis, a higher number of cardiac surgeries was an independent predictor of lower FVC (p = 0.01). Lower FVC was itself an independent predictor of lower peak VO2/kg and O2 pulse (p < 0.05). Moderate or severe RV systolic dysfunction was an independent predictor of stroke volume response (p = 0.03). Higher body mass index (BMI) was an independent predictor of all exercise measures being worse (p < 0.05). Low FVC and reduced exercise capacity were common in our population of TOF patients. Low FVC was predictive of low exercise capacity while, of the cardiac measures only RV systolic dysfunction was significant and predictive of stroke volume response. Spirometry may be a valuable screening tool in evaluation of TOF patients
A review on nanotechnological aspects in medicinal textile
Get PDFNanoscience and Technology has become popular and touched almost every branch of science and technology. Textile engineering is also not exception. Various nanoparticles are being used in smart textiles and technical textile products. Medical textile is an important area and have much opportunities for innovation and discoveries. Therefore, nanomaterials are used in medical textiles to have exotic properties. Herein we have discussed several methods for the characterization of materials at nanoscale. The common spectroscopic techniques like UV-Visible spectroscopy and microscopic techniques like scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope routinely used in material characterization are discussed in detail. In the last section of the article we discussed various applications of nanomaterials in modern medical textile. The nanomaterials are used in surgical gowns, sanitary napkins, UV protection appliances, antimicrobial coating, sutures etc. Some advanced nanomaterials can be used in disease diagnosis, flame retardants, efficient drug delivery systems etc
Empirical insights into AI-assisted game development: A case study on the integration of generative AI tools in creative pipelines
Get PDFThis study conducts an empirical exploration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools across the game development pipeline, from concept art creation to 3D model integration in a game engine. Employing AI generators like Leonardo AI, Scenario AI, Alpha 3D, and Luma AI, the research investigates their application in generating game assets. The process, documented in a diary-like format, ranges from producing concept art using fantasy game prompts to optimizing 3D models in Blender and applying them in Unreal Engine 5. The findings highlight the potential of AI to enhance the conceptualization phase and identify challenges in producing optimized, high-quality 3D models suitable for game development. This study reveals the current limitations and ethical considerations of AI in game design, suggesting that while generative AI tools hold significant promise for transforming game development, their full integration depends on overcoming these hurdles and gaining broader industry acceptance
Beyond the pixelated mirror: Understanding avatar identity and its impact on in-game advertising and consumer behavior
Get PDFThis article examines the complex dynamics between avatars and in-game advertising, probing how virtual representations influence consumer behavior within digital environments. It delves into the psychological interplay between self-perception and avatar embodiment, suggesting that while younger users may treat avatars as accessories showcasing personal interests, adults tend to opt for idealized selves, affecting their interaction with and responsiveness to virtual marketing. The study contemplates the avatar’s function as both a consumer and influencer in the expanding metaverse, considering the escalating integration of branded items in games. It also highlights potential shifts in consumption patterns as digital and physical realities converge. The article advocates for future research to explore the multifaceted impacts of avatars, such as age-related differences, the role of artificial intelligence in self-representation, and cross-platform avatar utilization, utilizing longitudinal data from sources like Second Life and social media profiling. In synthesizing these perspectives, the article underscores the necessity to further understand how avatars contribute to shaping digital consumerism, paving the way for a new domain in consumer psychology that navigates the evolving interface of the metaverse. The findings suggest that the nuances of digital identity formation are significant factors in the effectiveness of in-game advertising and indicate a transformative phase in marketing strategies tailored for virtual worlds
Investigating of social media travel photos on future destination choice: A mixed methodology approach
Get PDFThis study aims to examine the attractiveness of travel photos on social media and understand the relationship between travel photo sharing on social media and destination choice intention. A mixed methodology is used in this study. Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were conducted. The attractiveness of key travel photos was categorised as ‘nature & landscape’, ‘way of life’, ‘architecture/buildings’ and ‘people’ and these categories affected the future destination choices of social media viewers. This quantitative study uses data collected from 388 respondents via convenience sampling. Findings showed that the attractiveness of travel photos on social media exerts a significant effect on destination choice intention. In addition, celebrity-generated content mediates the relationship between travel photos and future destination choice intention. Destination marketers can promote places through the four identified travel photo categories using social media channels with celebrity-generated content
Performance of Cambodia’s made vegetable transplanter for two-wheel tractors under tillage conditions
Get PDFIn Cambodia, vegetable crops are planted by hand, making it hard to meet local market demands. However, this production can be boosted by using a mechanical transplanter with two-wheel tractors to cut input costs, when introduced to farmers, while production and productivity can be accelerated. Thus, this research aimed to (1) evaluate the working performance of a locally made vegetable transplanter against manual planting and (2) compare plant survival rates. The study included fabrication, testing, modification, and experiments with farmers, starting from January 2023 to July 2024. The transplanter was fabricated, tested, and improved by the Royal University of Agriculture. Then, two experiments were carried out with a vegetable farming community in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province, Cambodia. Tomato was selected for the testing, choosing seedlings aged four weeks. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was applied for both experiments with two treatments, manual planting and transplanter use, replicated four times. The results show that the working performance of the transplanter was six times faster than manual planting. Its speed, total field capacity, and planting rate were 1.03 km/h, 0.052 ha/h, and 27 plants/min, respectively, but missed planting was about 4%. Within-row spacing was similar (0.58 m), while using the transplanter made the plants incline at a steeper angle (63°), but could save 81.9% of time, when compared to manual planting. Both treatments had 100% plant survival rates evaluated one week after the transplanting. In short, using the transplanter can save both time and labor, but further assessment should be made with more kinds of fruit vegetable based on different seedling ages, so that the specifications can be confirmed, which is good for actual adoption for farmers
Stochastic dynamics mass spectrometric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic structural analyses of composite biodegradable plastics
Get PDFThe (partial) replacement of synthetic polymers with bioplastics is due to increased production of conventional packaging plastics causing for severe environmental pollution with plastics waste. The bioplastics, however, represent complex mixtures of known and unknown (bio)polymers, fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardant, pigments, antioxidants, hydrophobic polymers such as poly(lactic acid), polyethylene, polyesters, glycol, or poly(butylene succinate), and little is known of their chemical safety for both the environment and the human health. Polymerization reactions of bioplastics can produce no intentionally added chemicals to the bulk material, which could be toxic, as well. When polymers are used to food packing, then the latter chemicals could also migrate from the polymer to food. This fact compromises the safety for consumers, as well. The scarce data on chemical safety of bioplastics makes a gap in knowledge of their toxicity to humans and environment. Thus, development of exact analytical protocols for determining chemicals of bioplastics in environmental and food samples as well as packing polymers can only provide warrant for reliable conclusive evidence of their safety for both the human health and the environment. The task is compulsory according to legislation Directives valid to environmental protection, food control, and assessment of the risk to human health. The quantitative and structural determination of analytes is primary research task of analysis of polymers. The methods of mass spectrometry are fruitfully used for these purposes. Methodological development of exact analytical mass spectrometric tools for reliable structural analysis of bioplastics only guarantees their safety, efficacy, and quality to both humans and environment. This study, first, highlights innovative stochastic dynamics equations processing exactly mass spectrometric measurands and, thus, producing exact analyte quantification and 3D molecular and electronic structural analyses. There are determined synthetic polymers such as poly(ethylenglycol), poly(propylene glycol), and polyisoprene as well as biopolymers in bags for foodstuffs made from renewable cellulose and starch, and containing, in total within the 20,416–17,495 chemicals per sample of the composite biopolymers. Advantages of complementary employment in mass spectrometric methods and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is highlighted. The study utilizes ultra-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic data on biodegradable plastics bags for foodstuffs; high accuracy quantum chemical static methods, molecular dynamics; and chemometrics. There is achieved method performance |r| = 0.99981 determining poly(propylene glycol) in bag for foodstuff containing 20,416 species and using stochastic dynamics mass spectrometric formulas. The results highlight their great capability and applicability to the analytical science as well as relevance to both the fundamental research and to the industry
Assessment of beach users’ activities and beach quality status, a tool for coastal tourism development in South West Lagos Coastline, Nigeria
Get PDFTourist activities is one of the management tools used to identify the carrying capacity of beach and level of natural resources impacted by human activities, and it’s highly essential in revenue generation to the national blue economy. However, if its activities is not adequately controlled, it can disrupt the balance of coastal ecosystem and defeat the purpose of environmental services provision. This study assesses the beach quality status and beach users’ activities along the Lagos coastline, Southwest Nigeria. The survey was conducted during the summer holiday period in the peak of dry season (November 2021–February 2022) at six beaches (Atican, Alpha, Elegushi, Narval, Oniru and Takwa). A total number 600 people were interviewed, and secondary information was noted from the beach managers’ files, including the log book kept in the security post and vendor interviews with food and snack merchants and entertainers. Visitors were chosen at random (using a randomised complete design) to participate in interviews via a combination of passive and active questionnaires from a sample size of 100 visitors at each beach. The heterogeneity of tourists’ activities varied and significantly differed across the beaches. T-test values for all the activities were significance (p < 0.05) with the exception of religious and sporting activities. Recreation, clubbing, picnic, family retreat activities scored above 5% in all beaches, given exceptional note to Narval beach that had the highest activities of the tourists in religious group (70%). The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) ordination bi-plot diagram state that all activities, ages, and number of visitors were identified as the constrained variables. The activities Eigen scores were religious activity (0.79), picnic (0.58), family retreat (0.52), and site viewing (0.38). Religious activity had highest score of 70% with a strong relationship on the tourists of groups of above 50years at the Narval beach. This is in agreement with the cultural activities that accompanied tourism with peculiarity to life style and location. The ascending order of activities at the Oniru beach are: site viewing 9%, family retreat 25% and Picnic 45%. Whereas, the profound activities on recreation from other study area are: 40%, 35%, 30% and 20% at Takwa beach, Elegushi beach, Atican beach and Alpha beach respectively.
Demographic conditions and territorial development of Torre de Moncorvo (North of Portugal)
Get PDFThe development of some rural areas, such as most municipalities in the Portuguese interior, is completely dependent on the maintenance and retention of their population. The strengthening and qualification of a minimum number of inhabitants are necessary for the local dynamization processes. In this paper, it is proposed a theoretical approach and the data presentation for a case study—the municipality of Torre de Moncorvo in the Douro Valley region (northern Portugal). The main objective of this contribution is to demonstrate that population maintenance is crucial to local development. The social, economic, and territorial aspects are mutually dependent and determine the sustainability and the future dynamics of this kind of rural territory
Geological and hydro-chemical characterisations of groundwater resources in the Wa municipal district
Get PDFFew studies go beyond one or two parameters of groundwater characterisation at a time. This paper uses a multifaceted approach to describe the nature of groundwater beyond water quality, including the physical, environmental, and practical aspects of groundwater prospecting, the health effects, and how these conform to expected standards in global and national contexts. This was achieved by exploring the geological and hydrochemical characterisations of groundwater in the Wa municipality of Ghana. The main objective was to describe the spatial, hydro-geological, and hydro-chemical characteristics of groundwater in the rural areas of the Wa municipality. Using a sequential exploratory mixed research design and a digital elevation model, this study found that groundwater constitutes the main source of safe drinking water for rural and peri-urban communities, geologically dominated by granite and sandstone aquifers. The average transmissivity was 8.88 m2/day, the average hydraulic conductivity was 0.18 m/day, the average aquifer thickness was 56.8 mbgl, and the average borehole water yield was 14.54 L/min. However, there were technological constraints on the ability to prospect water from confined aquifers at sites in the higher parts of the digital elevation model. Also, a lack of water quality tests for some boreholes results in the exposure of users to the effects of fluoride, causing dental fluorosis. The use of ultra-deep hand pump technologies, water quality testing of all boreholes, and artificial groundwater recharge methods for sustainable borehole water yield were recommended